1947
Saturday, 06 December 1947
Isthmian League
Plough Lane
 
Wimbledon
Don Rhodes
1 - 1
Leytonstone
?

Ken Lister, Leytonstone’s former captain, stepped up for his debut for the visit of his old club, the reigning Amateur Cup winners, replacing Picton, with G Thomas selected ahead of Harry Bull at outside-left.

Despite the greasy surface the large crowd were treated to an exciting game packed with thrills and delightful football. Wimbledon were the first to attack and Stannard put a hard drive inches over after three minutes. Maggs cleared from Joseph, then Littlefair had to be fast off his line to prevent Rhodes reaching a cross from Thomas. The Dons penned the visitors back for much of the half and more composure in front of goal might have brought a better reward. Green had a good chance after Stannard slipped the ball between the two backs, but with only the keeper to beat shot wild and high. A dangerous cross from Stannard low across the goal eluded both defenders and forwards and the first period ended with the Dons on top.

The second half started as the first had finished, with the home side on the attack, but they were unable to break through a resolute and experienced defence until twelve minutes before the end. Stannard provided another delightful through ball and Rhodes trapped the ball with his left and put the ball into the net with his right. The lead only lasted a minute before Smith centred and Groves slipped past Lister to equalise. Joseph switched to centre forward as Leytonstone attempted to get a winner, but it was Wimbledon that did most of the pressing in the time remaining, and Head should have sealed victory when he a cross from Green found him at the back post, but the ball bounced up awkwardly and he could only steer the ball over the bar. Green was then tackled by Nicholls before he could get his shot away and Rhodes wasted an opportunity by drifting offside.